Yes, they speak English in Scotland. But they have some colorful expressions you may not know! Here are some favorites provided by Val, our local staff person on the Central Scotland Untour. There are some fun insults and drinking expressions in the mix. Clear yer throat and give ’em a wee try!
Aye Right – Yeah, right. A phrase used when you don’t believe something that you are told.
Yer aff yer heid – You’re off your head – a little bit daft.
Pure dead brilliant – Really good.
Whit’s fur ye’ll no go past ye – Whatever is meant to happen to you, will happen to you. What ever will be, will be.
Don’t be a wee clipe – Don’t be a little tell-tale.
Awa’ an bile yer heid – “Away and boil your head” or “Get lost.”
Haud yer wheesht – Be quiet.
Yer a chancer – You’re pushing your luck.
Taps aff – T-shirts off. To remove one’s shirt due to the slightest hint of sunshine.
Geein me the boak – That makes me feel sick.
Yer gettin’ skelped – You’re going to get slapped.
Yer at it – You’re talking nonsense/You’re acting like an idiot.
Ah dinnae ken – I don’t know.
She’s a bonnie lass – She’s a beautiful girl.
Mad wae it – Being very drunk.
Yer clatty/Yer mingin’ – You’re dirty/disgusting.
Ma heid’s mince – My head’s mixed up.
Yer oot yer face – You’re very drunk.
It wis hoachin’ – It was busy.
Up to high doh – All worked up. All riled up.
Try out your new vocabulary in the bonnie Scottish hills, on an Untour in Central Scotland or the Scottish Highlands. See yeh at the pub!